2016 National Landscape Architecture Awards: Award for Parks and Open Space

Return to Royal Park by City of Melbourne – City Design Studio.
Image: Peter Bennetts

Return to Royal Park by City of Melbourne – City Design StudioParks and Open Space: Landscape Architecture AwardAustralian Institute of Landscape Architects

Jury comment

Royal Park in inner Melbourne has been undergoing a transformation as part of its overall masterplan, but until recently still lacked a clearly defined gateway and engaging play space.

Return to Royal Park has delivered on these objectives, providing an exciting, nature-based play space for children of all ages and developmental needs, where people are encouraged to come together. The new landscape responds to the natural character of Royal Park and the planting scheme cleverly reflects Wurundjeri descriptions of Melbourne’s seasons. The outcome is an immersive gateway that encourages visitors to the adjacent Royal Children’s Hospital to get outside and play.